St. Anthony Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-30
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St. Anthony Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (775) 825-5365
  • Fax:
  • (775)825-2442
  • Street Address:

  • 4795 Lakeside Drive

  • Reno, NV 89509
  • Mailing Address:

  • 4795 Lakeside Drive

  • Reno, NV 89509


Contact Information



Services Schedule

Saturday Vespers, 6pm

Sunday Morning Orthros, 8:45am

Sunday Divine Liturgy, 10am

Wednesday Evening Prayer & Healing (Paraklesis), 6pm

Office Hours are M - F from 10a - 3p


Past Bulletins


Good Morning and Welcome!

Whether you are visiting the Orthodox Church for the first time or are visiting from another Orthodox parish, we’d like to welcome you to Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church. For more information about the Orthodox Church go to THIS LINK

We hope that your worship experience with us brings you closer to our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If this is your first time with us, please take the time to sign a guest card at the entrance and accept our invitation to join us for coffee and fellowship in the Large Hall after the Service.

Please keep in mind that only those who have been Baptized or Chrismated into our Orthodox Faith and who’ve properly prepared themselves through fasting and Holy Confession (as needed) may participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If you are in need of spiritual direction or would like to know how to become an Orthodox Christian, please talk to Fr. Stephen after the Service.

Do you know Someone Who is Sick, Hospitalized, or In Need of Prayer?  Please contact the church office. 

 

 

 

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Serving Today

Deacon: Danilo Simich

Narthex Greeters: George Sakelarios

Acolytes: Athanasios Karcher, Joseph Karcher,  Isaac Zimmerman, Marco Cloninger, Anthony Florez, John Nash, Vince Marko, Cody Wilson

Prosphora: Nancy Surina

Streaming: 

Epistle Reader: Zsuzsi Hussla

Please contact the church office if you would like to provide fresh flowers, or be added to our prosphora baking schedule.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O John, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Ιωάννη Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Champion General, I your City now inscribe to you Triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, Being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. Inasmuch as you have power unassailable, From all kinds of perils free me, so that unto you I may cry aloud: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Saints and Feasts

March 30

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to Saint John Klimakos, the author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent. In this book the Igoumen of Saint Katherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai bears witness to the great effort which is required for entry into God’s Kingdom (Matthew 10:12). The spiritual struggle of the Christian life is difficult since it is “not against flesh and blood, but against ... the rulers of the present darkness ... the hosts of wickedness in heavenly places ...” (Ephesians 6:12). Saint John encourages the faithful in their efforts for, as the Lord has said, only “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Saint John was born around the year 525, the son of devout and wealthy parents. He received a very good education, but at the age of sixteen, he forsook the world and went to Mount Sinai, subjecting himself to the spiritual guidance of Elder Martyrios. When he was nineteen years of age,1 his Elder reposed. Then Saint John entered the arena of hesychasm, visiting the monastic communities of Skḗtē and Tabénnisē in Egypt. For another forty years, he lived in a cell at Thora in the Sinai Desert, which was a two hour (5 mile) walk from the Monastery of Saint Katherine.

Aflame with indescribable longing for God, he ate everything that was permitted by the monastic Rule, but only in very small quantities, and not unto satiety. By so doing, he overcame the vice of pride; and by eating just a little food, he humbled the stomach, which always wants more. He raised his body from death and paralysis by the remembrance of death, and he overcame the tyranny of anger with the sword of obedience.

Who can describe the fountain of his tears, which is now to be seen in very few individuals? He slept only as much as was necessary to prevent his mind from being distracted. Before going to sleep he prayed a great deal, and he also wrote books. This was how he subdued despondency. His entire life was spent in unceasing prayer, and incomparable love for God.

After writing The Ladder at the request of Igoumen John of Raithu Monastery, and leading a God-pleasing life, Saint John fell asleep in the Lord when he was about seventy-five years old (ca. 603). He is also commemorated on March 30.

The inscription on his icon is from Step 7:2. It reads: "Compunction is a perrenial trial of the conscience, which brings about the cooling of the fire of the heart through mental confession. And confession is a forgetfulness of nature, since someone because of this forgot to eat his bread."2

 


1 This was his monastic age. He was, in fact, thirty-five years old.
2 Psalm 101:5 (Septuagint) "Him that speaks privily against his neighbor, him have I driven from me; he that is proud in look and insatiable in heart - with him I have not eaten."


March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

Saint John of the Ladder is honored by Holy Church as a great ascetic and author of the renowned spiritual book called THE LADDER, from which he is also called “of the Ladder” (Climacus).

There is almost no information about Saint John’s origins. One tradition suggests that he was born in Constantinople around the year 570, and was the son of Saints Xenophon and Maria (January 26).

John went to Sinai when he was sixteen, submitting to Abba Martyrius as his instructor and guide. After four years, Saint John was tonsured as a monk. Abba Strategios, who was present at Saint John’s tonsure, predicted that he would become a great luminary in the Church of Christ.

For nineteen years Saint John progressed in monasticism in obedience to his spiritual Father. After the death of Abba Martyrius, Saint John embarked on a solitary life, settling in a wild place called Thola, where he spent forty years laboring in silence, fasting, prayer, and tears of penitence.

It is not by chance that in THE LADDER Saint John speaks about tears of repentance: “Just as fire burns and destroys the wood, so pure tears wash away every impurity, both external and internal.” His holy prayer was strong and efficacious, as may be seen from an example from the life of the God-pleasing saint.

Saint John had a disciple named Moses. Once, the saint ordered his disciple to bring dung to fertilize the vegetable garden. When he had fulfilled the obedience, Moses lay down to rest under the shade of a large rock, because of the scorching heat of summer. Saint John was in his cell in a light sleep. Suddenly, a man of remarkable appearance appeared to him and awakened the holy ascetic, reproaching him, “John, why do you sleep so heedlessly, when Moses is in danger?”

Saint John immediately woke up and began to pray for his disciple. When Moses returned in the evening, Saint John asked whether any sort of misfortune had befallen him.

The monk replied, “A large rock would have fallen on me as I slept beneath it at noon, but I left that place because I thought I heard you calling me.” Saint John did not tell his disciple of his vision, but gave thanks to God.

Saint John ate the food which is permitted by the monastic rule, but only in moderation. He did not sleep very much, only enough to keep up his strength, so that he would not ruin his mind by unceasing vigil. “I do not fast excessively,” he said of himself, “nor do I give myself over to intense all-night vigil, nor lay upon the ground, but I restrain myself..., and the Lord soon saved me.”

The following example of Saint John’s humility is noteworthy. Gifted with discernment, and attaining wisdom through spiritual experience, he lovingly received all who came to him and guided them to salvation. One day some envious monks reproached him for being too talkative, and so Saint John kept silence for a whole year. The monks realized their error, and they went to the ascetic and begged him not to deprive them of the spiritual profit of his conversation.

Concealing his ascetic deeds from others, Saint John sometimes withdrew into a cave, but reports of his holiness spread far beyond the vicinity. Visitors from all walks of life came to him, desiring to hear his words of edification and salvation. After forty years of solitary asceticism, he was chosen as igumen of Sinai when he was seventy-five. Saint John governed the holy monastery for four years. Toward the end of his life, the Lord granted him the gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking.

At the request of Saint John, igumen of the Raithu monastery (Commemorated on Cheesefare Saturday), he wrote the incomparable LADDER, a book of instruction for monks who wished to attain spiritual perfection.

Knowing of the wisdom and spiritual gifts of Saint John of Sinai, the igumen of Raithu requested him to write down whatever was necessary for the salvation of those in the monastic life. Such a book would be “a ladder fixed on the earth” (Gen. 28:12), leading people to the gates of Heaven.

Saint John felt that such a task was beyond his ability, yet out of obedience he fulfilled the request. The saint called his work THE LADDER, for the book is “a fixed ladder leading from earthly things to the Holy of Holies....” The thirty steps of spiritual perfection correspond to the thirty years of the Lord’s age. When we have completed these thirty steps, we will find ourselves with the righteous and will not stumble. THE LADDER begins with renunciation of the world, and ends with God, Who is love (1 John 4:8).

Although the book was written for monks, any Christian living in the world will find it an unerring guide for ascending to God, and a support in the spiritual life. Saints Theodore the Studite (November 11 and January 26), Sergius of Radonezh (September 25 and July 5), Joseph of Volokolamsk (September 9 and October 18), and others relied on THE LADDER as an important guide to salvation.

The twenty-second step of THE LADDER deals with various forms of vainglory. Saint John writes: “When I fast, I am vainglorious; and when I permit myself food in order to conceal my fasting from others I am again vainglorious about my prudence. When I dress in fine clothing, I am vanquished by vanity, and if I put on drab clothing, again I am overcome by vanity. If I speak, vainglory defeats me. If I wish to keep silence, I am again given over to it. Wherever this thorn comes up, it stands with its points upright.

A vain person seems to honor God, but strives to please men rather than God.

People of lofty spirit bear insult placidly and willingly, but only the holy and righteous may hear praise without harm.

When you hear that your neighbor or friend has slandered you behind your back, or even to your face, praise and love him.

It is not the one who reproaches himself who shows humility, for who will not put up with himself? It is the one who is slandered by another, yet continues to show love for him.

Whoever is proud of his natural gifts, intelligence, learning, skill in reading, clear enunciation, and other similar qualities, which are acquired without much labor, will never obtain supernatural gifts. Whoever is not faithful in small things (Luke 16:10), is also unfaithful in large things, and is vainglorous.

It often happens that God humbles the vainglorious, sending a sudden misfortune. If prayer does not destroy a proud thought, we bring to mind the departure of the soul from this life. And if this does not help, let us fear the shame which follows dishonor. “For whoever humbles himself shall be exalted, and whoever exalts himself shall be humbled” (Luke 14:11). When those who praise us, or rather seduce us, start to praise us, let us recall our many sins, then we shall find that we are not worthy of what they say or do to honor us.”

In THE LADDER Saint John describes the ascent toward spiritual perfection, which is essential for anyone who wishes to save his soul. It is a written account of his thoughts, based on the collected wisdom of many wise ascetics, and on his own spiritual experience. The book is a great help on the path to truth and virtue.

The steps of THE LADDER proceed gradually from strength to strength on the path of perfection. The summit is not reached suddenly, but gradually, as the Savior says: “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Mt.11:12).

Saint John is also commemorated on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent.


March 30

Sosthenes, Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70

The Holy Apostles Sosthenes was head of the Corinthian synagogue before his conversion. The Apostle Paul converted him to Christianity and made him his helper in his work. In addressing the Corinthian church, Saint Paul sent greetings from both of them: “Paul, by the will of God called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and brother Sosthenes...” (1 Cor.1:1). Afterwards, Saint Sosthenes was made bishop at Colophon (Asia Minor).

Saint Sosthenes is also commemorated on December 8 and the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.

In the Acts of the Holy Apostles we read the following: “A certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, eloquent and well-versed in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Hearing him, Aquila and Priscilla took him and more precisely explained to him the way of the Lord. And when he resolved to go to Achaia, the brethren wrote and asked the disciples to receive him. When he got there, he greatly helped those who believed by grace, for he powerfully confounded the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:24-28).

The Holy Apostle Apollos assisted the Apostle Paul. Saint Paul speaks about the spread of Christianity among the Corinthians, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor.3:6). Saint Apollos was later bishop at Smyrna (Asia Minor).

Saint Apollos is also commemorated on December 8 and the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.

According to Tradition, the Holy Apostle Cephas was Bishop of Iconium. No accounts of him have been preserved. It is assumed that he is the one who is mentioned by the Apostle Paul (1 Cor.15:5).

Saint Cephas is also commemorated on December 8 and the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.

The Holy Apostle Caesar is also commemorated on December 8 and the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.

The Holy Apostle Epaphroditus was Bishop of Adrianium (Italy). He was also a companion of Saint Paul who sent him to the Christians of Philippi. Saint Paul speaks about his hard work in the vineyard of Christ: “I thought it necesary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my needs... he was sick and near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not only him but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow... Receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men, for he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete your lack of service to me” (Phil 2: 25-30).

Saint Epaphroditus is also commemorated on December 8 and the Synaxis of the Seventy Apostles on January 4.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης, εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον· καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. Τρέχει οὖν, καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον, καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητήν, ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ᾞραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητής, καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. Ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας, βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια· οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. Ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα· καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. Τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε, καὶ ἐπίστευσεν. Οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν Γραφήν, ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. Ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Προκείμενον. Grave Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 28.11,1.
Κύριος ἰσχὺν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ δώσει.
Στίχ. Ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ, ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ δόξαν καὶ τιμήν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20.

Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος· ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος· ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται· καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει· ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν· ἀλλ᾿ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ᾿ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε· πιστεύω, κύριε· βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ· τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ᾿ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ· ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται.


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News and Information

Parish News & Updates:      

Save the Dates!

  • This Wednesday Great Canon & Life of St. Mary of Egypt 6p

  • Lazarus Saturday Brunch & Palm Cross-Making following Liturgy on April 12

  • Palm Sunday Lunch (Fish Tacos) following Liturgy on April 13 

  • Sunday of Pascha Agapi Luncheon and Easter Egg Hunt following the service at 12pm on April 20

Confession Schedule during Lent Fr Stephen is available to hear confessions on Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays after the evening services, or you can call Cody to set up an appointment at another time. 

Bible Study Meets on Thursdays at 11am, in person AND via zoom. We continue reading through the New Testament Book of Revelation. Drop ins are welcome! Connection link: https://zoom.us/j/92579391202?pwd=TkpKQVpadExCLzdxRFNtU2d5S2JJQT09

Young Adults Lenten Reflection and Renewal our first-ever meeting will be on Thurs. April 10th at 6pm in the Small Hall. We'll share Lenten experiences, discuss navigating the challenges and blessings of Lent & preparing a simple yet nourishing Lenten meal.

Join our Live Stream Ministry We are looking to build up our Live Stream Ministry.  This is a wonderful way to help provide service to the parish and provide a vital connection to those who are not able to join us in person on Sundays.  No experience necessary, we will provide training.  High school age and above are welcome.  The commitment is just 1-2 Sundays a month. 

Reading the Epistle at Divine Liturgy is a very important way to participate in our Sunday service. Won't you consider being an Epistle Reader? We are currently putting together a schedule, so if you would like to participate please talk to Larry Fitterer and tell him your interested in reading. There will be some brief training involved to get you oriented. Need help contacting Larry? Call the church office & we'll help.

For Our Visitors We are are happy to welcome you to join us for worship and experience the beauty of the Orthodox Holy Tradition. For more info on the Church go to THIS LINK   

Pastoral Visits & Holy Communion For setting dates, sacraments, memorial services, personal counseling, confessions, sick calls and personal visitations that may include receiving Holy Communion, please call the church office (775-825-5365) or email [email protected]. You can also speak with Father Stephen or e-mail at [email protected].    

GOA Center for Family Care is a wonderful ministry of our Archdiocese. We encourage you to sign up HERE for updates & receive resources from GOA Center for Family Care in your inbox.  

Live Streaming Most services are being live-streamed on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/saintanthonychurchreno/. It is a blessing to be able to connect with those at home in this way.

Online Giving Portal for Stewardship & Donation Offerings The Online Giving Portal allows you to make stewardship and donation offerings online via credit or debit card.  You can access the portal by clicking here: Home | Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Reno  This functionality is secured for your protection and gives you the opportunity to make a one-time contribution or set up a recurring offering. 

Prayer Ministry “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 If you need prayer for yourself, a family member, or anyone else in your circle of friends and acquaintances, you can have your prayer requests included in a weekly prayer request list. Also, this new Prayer Ministry is looking for “prayer warriors” who are willing to pray for others in need. Praying for one another is a critical part of living an Orthodox Christian life, and the Prayer Ministry can help you systematically pray for others who need prayer. If you have a prayer request, or would like to become part of this new, important, and exciting ministry, please contact Barbara Cummings via email at [email protected] or contact the church office and we'll help you get in touch. 

Vigil Lights offered for Health & Well Being: Torch Family, by Lagios Family. Lagios Family. Joseph for Salvation, by Denise. Dr. Bryan, by Lagios Family. Dr.Winter by Lagios family, Venetas by Lagios Family. Matthew Jacob by Christina & family. Candis, Joyce by Chris & Rene. Kere by Lagios Family.Veneta By Lagios family.

Vigil Lights offered in Loving Memory:   Charles Joannou, by Woods Family. Shannon Wilson by Mary. Jeremiah by Roes family. Aaron & Jason by Christina. Rebbecca by Laura. Katerini by Rores family. Nicholas Kombotheklas, by Dina.

Online Resources: If you wish to use the Internet as a resource for Orthodoxy, a search engine is only going to give you a list of hits that will be, at best, confusing once you start working your way through all of them. Best to start out with the home pages of the canonical jurisdictions and take note of the pages to which they’ve linked. Here are some recommended links from St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Bellingham, Washington https://www.saintsophias.org/faith-resources.html

The Fountain of Light A collection of works by Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Trisagion Films Videos on Orthodox Worship and Praxis  Here you can discover they cover aspects of Orthodox worship and practice, pilgrimages, the lives of the saints, iconography and the sacred arts, and recordings of homilies, interviews, and special events.  

The End Times and the Book of Revelation https://orthodoxsaskatoon.com/2021/05/12/the-end-times-and-the-book-of-revelation/

Follow Us Facebook Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Reno Instagram stanthonygoareno

Participate in Worship + Join a Ministry + Volunteer for a specific activity + Lend your talent

 

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Becoming Orthodox in Spite of the Internet

The Internet provides an unprecedented amount of information on virtually any topic, all at the click of a mouse. Fly-fishing, cat videos, comic book collecting, the history of woodcarving, how to knit sweaters for your dog – it’s all out there. Some of it is even useful. Not only that, it so happens that there are a huge number of websites out there devoted entirely to Orthodox Christianity. Sounds like a wonderful thing, doesn’t it? Well, maybe not. The Internet has the potential to be the biggest stumbling block over which an inquirer might trip.

Orthodox Christianity is very different to those who have been raised in the Protestant and/or Evangelical world. An Orthodox church has an iconostasis, candles and icons covering virtually every space on the walls, and the smell of incense permeates everything. As a liturgical environment, it is like nothing most people have experienced before, and it all adds up to a very tangible awareness of the presence of God. Often times a inquirer, trying to figure it all out goes home and does a Google search  on “Orthodox Christianity” and browses through the hits.

Sound familiar? And why not? That’s how we’ve been trained, in this age of the Information Superhighway. When I was a little kid, if a new topic of interest made itself known to me, the first thing I would do was to go to the library and look it up there, but the Internet makes it so that you don’t even have to leave your home. Googling “Orthodox Christianity” gives you lots of interesting-looking web pages right off the bat: the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home page, the Orthodox Church in America home page, something called “orthodoxinfo.com,” the Orthodox Christian Fellowship site, another page called “Orthodox Ireland,” a document called “Celtic Orthodoxy – the Celtic Orthodox Christian Revival”… hmm. And here’s a site run by something called “The American Orthodox Church” that claims to be the “Voice of American Orthodox Catholic Christianity.”

And here is the problem with the phenomenon of “Internet Orthodoxy.” There is no barrier to entry with respect to posting pages on the World Wide Web; anybody with a computer and accessibility can publish anything they want and make it accessible to anyone using a search engine. (Or, as UC Berkeley computer science professor Robert Wilensky puts it, “We’ve all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true.”) There is a lot out there that the wide-eyed inquirer can easily encounter, which he or she simply will not have the spiritual maturity to deal with. Many sites are controversial for people within the Church; how in the world is an inquirer who might not even have attended a service yet going to make any sense of it?

Which brings us to another issue – no amount of information and no amount of reading is going to make one Orthodox. Knowledge will not bring one into the Church; the Holy Spirit has to do that. This sounds like a horrible thing to say in our rational day and age, but the books and websites are, plainly, no substitute for prayer, going to services, establishing a relationship with and receiving instruction from a priest. I truly wonder how today’s inquirers would do with the early practice of catechumens knowing nothing of the Mysteries of the Church until after their baptism – and not even being told exactly what was happening to them in their baptism until after it was already done!

The Church at that time held that knowledge wasn’t going to do one a lot of good until he was already part of the family and could put that knowledge in context. Perhaps, in this age of unrestricted, instantly available information, there’s something we can learn from that. In this “do-it-yourself’ world, the truth of the matter is that you cannot teach yourself to be Orthodox, regardless of how good the instructional materials seem to be. I’ve met inquirers who have spent weeks if not months reading about Orthodoxy on the Internet but have never been to a Divine Liturgy. If you want to learn more about the Church, go to church. It’s that easy, and that difficult.

Something else that one is likely to encounter on the Internet: chat rooms, discussion groups, mailing lists, newsgroups, whatever you want to call them; proclaiming to be places where one can discuss Orthodoxy. I spent a lot of time in these early on in my inquiry, and for my part, I found the tone of most of these to be as un-Christian as one could get – petty, contentious, often with the overall message of “my jurisdiction is holier than your jurisdiction,” and frequently becoming dominated by arguments over secular politics. What also would inevitably occur is the appearance of non-Orthodox and sometimes non-Christian posters who weren’t truly interested in honest discussion, but rather just being gadflies. Even in some of the milder of these groups, where, in theory, jurisdictional discussions were off limits, it seemed that folks had a tendency to be on a fairly short fuse, and exchanges could turn into yelling matches rather quickly. I reached a point where I realized that these groups were distracting my catechesis; they were in no way contributing to it. It was so much “godless chatter,” of which St. Paul counseled avoidance (1 Timothy 6:20).

Are there good uses of the Internet for the inquirer and catechumen? Of course. The home pages for the different Orthodox jurisdictions, as well as for most individual parishes, provide a lot of wonderful information, and the outside links they provide are, in general, quite trustworthy. There are excellent resources out there with respect to the Orthodox approach to prayer, liturgical texts, setting up the home icon corner, as well as a wonderful database of the writings of the Church Fathers. Other websites have made the acquisition of previously not-so-easy-to-find liturgical items a fairly simple matter – prayer books, icons, prayer ropes, incense, home censers, candles, recordings of the music of the Church, and so on. At the same time, it is also true that many of the suppliers of these items are themselves of a questionable status; that’s not to say they’re off limits, but the inquirer visiting some of these online establishments must exercise caution and discernment about where they venture on these sites. Perhaps, if a local parish has an ordering relationship with an established supplier, the inquirer is better off going that route – and that way, the parish will benefit. Ask your priest, once you have a relationship with one.

For my part, I can honestly say that I became Orthodox in spite of the Internet, rather than because of it. At most, an inquirer’s “Ortho-surfing” needs to judiciously supplement, rather than supplant, their attendance at services, prayer, and talking to a priest. If you want to know more about the various historical and doctrinal issues, your local parish has either a good library, a well-stocked book counter, or both, and the priest can suggest which books to read. Books are still no substitute for going to church, but at least it is more likely that a book by a reputable author and publisher will have been carefully vetted in a way that a website probably will not have been.

Unfortunately, the signal-to-noise ratio with respect to what’s out there on the Net is so low, the wheat will sit right next to the chaff and most inquirers – and frankly, most Orthodox laity – won’t be able to tell the difference. If you still want to attempt to use the Internet as a resource, a search engine is only going to give you a list of hits that will be, at best, confusing once you start working your way through all of them. Better to start out with the home pages of the canonical jurisdictions, and take note of the pages to which they’ve linked.

But hey, a Google search is still great for finding out about cat dating and knitting dog sweaters.

Source: Holy Wisdom Orthodox Church, Nevada City CA

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Benevolent Fund Donation Request

Support Our Parish Families in Need – Benevolent Fund Donation Request

Dear Faithful Member of Saint Anthony,

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. As we navigate the joys and challenges of our community together, we are reminded of the strength we find in supporting one another. At Saint Anthony, we strive to embody the values of compassion and generosity that are at the heart of our faith.

Today, I am reaching out to ask for your support for our Benevolent Fund, which assists parish families facing hardship. Whether due to unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or other difficult circumstances, several families in our parish need a helping hand. Our Benevolent Fund provides essential support for necessities such as food, housing, and medical assistance, allowing these families to experience the care and love of our parish community during trying times.

We invite you to consider donating to this fund, no matter the size. Every contribution matters and can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Your generosity will help us continue to aid families who are struggling, reminding them that they are not alone in their challenges.

If you would like to contribute, click here: Benevolent Funds | Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Reno

Of course, you can also donate by mail to the church office or drop off during services.

Thank you for considering this request and for your ongoing support of our parish community. Together, we can spread hope and help create positive outcomes in the lives of our fellow parishioners.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Father Stephen

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Weekly Schedule

Saturday, Mar 29th Baptism 11a,Vespers 6p

Sunday, Mar 30th Sunday of St. John Climacus Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a

Monday, Mar 31st Great Compline 6p

Wednesday, Apr 2nd Great Canon & Life of St. Mary of Egypt 6p

Thursday, Apr 3rd Bible Study 11a

Friday, Apr 4th  Akathist Hymn 6p

Saturday, Apr 5th Baptisms 1p, Vespers 6p

Sunday, Apr 6th Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a

Monday, Apr 7th Great Compline 6p

Wednesday, Apr 9th Presanctified Liturgy 6p

Thursday, Apr 10th Bible Study 11a

Saturday, Apr 12th Lazarus Saturday Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, 1130a Brunch & Palm Cross making, Baptisms 2p, Vespers 6p

Sunday, Apr 13th Palm Sunday Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a, 1130a Fish Luncheon, Bridegroom Service 7p.

Holy Monday, Apr 14th Bridegroom Service 7p

Holy Tuesday, Apr 15th Bridegroom Service 7p

Holy Wednesday, Apr16th Holy Unction 4p, Bridegroom Service 7p

Holy Thursday, Apr 17th Vesperal Divine Liturgy 9a, Passion Gospels 7p

Holy Friday, Apr 18th Royal hours of Pascha 9a, Epitaphio Decorating 11a, Vespers Taking down from the Cross 4p, Lamentations Procession with Epitaphio 7p

Holy Saturday, Apr 19th Vesperal Divine Liturgy 9a, RESURRECTION SERVICE & Divine Liturgy beginning at 11:15pm

Sunday of Pascha, Apr 20th Agapi Vespers Noon, Pascha Lunch 130p

Saturday, Apr 26th Vespers 6p

Sunday, Apr 27th Thomas Sunday Orthros 9a, Divine Liturgy 10a

Wednesday, Apr 30th Paraklesis 6p

Reminders: 

  • Confession Schedule during Lent Fr Stephen is available to hear confessions on Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays after the evening services, or you can call Cody to set up an appointment at another time. 
  • Click here To follow along with Liturgical texts and Music
  • If you cannot attend, please join our live-stream services online at  https://www.facebook.com/saintanthonychurchreno 

 

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In Our Prayers

Prayer Ministry “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

  • Paraklesis on Wednesday Evenings: In this service we offer hymns and prayers to Christ and His Mother. If you need prayer for yourself, a family member, or friend, please list the names (first names only) on paper with the heading "For Paraklesis", leave in the tray in the narthex and we will read the names at each service for 40 days.
  • Divine Liturgy every Sunday: During the Proskomidi, or service of preparation, we remember the names of the living and departed, especially all those belonging to our parish. If you would like to submit a list of names to be remembered at this time, please list the names of the living (first names only), and also the departed (first names only), on paper with the heading "For Divine Liturgy." Give your list of names to Father or leave it in the tray in the narthex and we will commemorate your living and departed at Liturgy for 40 days. 
  • Prayer Team: If you need prayer for yourself, a family member, or anyone else in your circle of friends and acquaintances, you can have your prayer requests included in a weekly prayer request list. This Prayer Ministry is looking for “prayer warriors” who are willing to pray for others in need. If you have a prayer request, or would like to become part of this ministry, please contact Barbara Cummings via phone or text at 775-848-3677, or via email at [email protected] You will receive a weekly prayer list via email (also, there will be a few paper copies of the prayer list available at St. Anthony on Sunday mornings, for those who do not regularly use email). From time to time, you may also receive emails with urgent or otherwise time-sensitive prayer requests, that can’t wait until the next weekly update.



 

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Bulletin Inserts

    Resources for Lent

    Resources for Lent

    Guidelines, suggestions, readings, recipes & How to approach Fasting


    Prayer Rule of St. Pachomius

    Prayer Rule of St. Pachomius

    This order was given to St. Pachomius of Egypt by an Angel and was the rule he used at each hour of the day and night (ARCHIMANDRITE LAZARUS (MOORE), ST. SERAPHIM OF SAROV: A SPIRITUAL BIOGRAPHY, P. 77). It is a prayer rule that lends itself to memorization, and as such is one that can be done in situations in which it is impractical for one to pray using a prayer book.


    55 Maxims

    55 Maxims

    Fr Thomas Hopko


    Joining the Church

    Joining the Church

    A short booklet that helps gives some basic answers to the questions: Curious about Orthodoxy? Seriously interested in inquiring into the Orthodox Faith? Desire to join our parish? Wish to commune? What does it take to become a member?


    Stewardship

    Stewardship

    What is stewardship at Saint Anthony?


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